Meta’s 128 GB Quest headset is making waves in the virtual reality (VR) industry as the company slashes prices by 50%. Priced at just $250, it is now half the cost of Meta’s latest Quest 3. In addition to brand new headsets, Meta is offering refurbished units at even lower prices.
However, this significant drop in price comes with a controversial update from Meta. The option to stream to Chromecast has mysteriously vanished, leaving users with no choice but to stream to a phone or computer before mirroring on a TV. Meta’s help page vaguely states that Chromecast is not fully supported with Meta Quest, but fails to provide any official explanation for this sudden change. This alteration affects all Quest headsets and has frustrated users who relied on Chromecast to display their VR experience.
On the positive side, Meta’s Quest 3 is gaining attention for its mixed reality capabilities and its more affordable price compared to Sony’s PSVR2. Initially, Quest 2 was released as a loss leader with the aim of dominating the VR market. However, recent price increases indicate a shift in Meta’s pricing strategy.
In an effort to enhance users’ experience, Meta now allows game streaming from Steam VR and the loading of Xbox Game Pass on a Quest. Not only that, but extra accessories like the elite strap and carrying case have also seen a drop in price.
Meta has been touting itself as the most budget-friendly entry-point into the VR world, and the Quest 2 has garnered positive reviews for its VR gaming performance. Its main competition, Apple’s $3,500 Vision Pro headset, is expected to have a complicated release. Industry analyst Ming Chi Kuo anticipates that Apple will ship around 500,000 units of the Vision Pro this month, further escalating the competition in the VR market.
As the demand for accessible VR experiences continues to grow, Meta’s price drops and added features are poised to attract a wide audience. Whether it’s gaming or immersive experiences, Meta’s Quest lineup is becoming an increasingly popular choice for VR enthusiasts.
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